Oak Bluffs

Summer is supposed to be a relaxing, quiet time, but we know better, don’t we? We all work so hard in the spring so everything will look so inviting, with our yards, houses, the stores and especially the parks, but then we’re too busy to notice. So let’s take a moment to look around so that we too are able to enjoy the beauty of this town. And thank those who make it beautiful and safe when you get a chance.

Martha’s Vineyard Magazine has announced its Best of the Vineyard 2011 winners and runners-up, awarding Island businesses, places, events and activities across 75 categories. Oak Bluffs was honored with 24 wins and 24 runners-up.

Jason, Sarah, and their two children, Morgan, Ben Alwardt and their two dogs, Parker and Brady, are arriving this weekend from Atlanta, Georgia, to visit grandparents Sandy and Wes Mott. They are looking forward to all that Oak Bluffs (and the rest of the Island) has to offer including swimming, dining, entertainment, and sharing birthday celebrations. Sarah’s birthday is July 8, Mimi’s (Sandy) is July 11, and Jason’s is July 22.

On Friday, July 22, Shephard Fine Artspace at 8 Uncas Avenue will present Marty Balin, founder of Jefferson Airplane, in an acoustic performance. The opening reception for Rez Williams will be on Saturday July 23.

The First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven and the Community Baptist Church of Gay Head in Aquinnah will celebrate their new ministry at the installation service for their covenant pastor, the Rev. Ellen P. Tatreau on Sunday, July 17, at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church on the corner of Spring and William Streets in Vineyard Haven. The Rev. June R. Davis Cooper, Executive Director of Boston City Mission Society, will be preaching. The service will be followed by a reception in the Parish House. For more information please call the church office at 508-693-1539.

On July 16, Ron Williams, bass-baritone, will be singing old and new selections from the Great American Songbook accompanied by piano and guitar at the historic Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. Tickets are available at TicketsMV and at the Door.

The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 19, at 1 pm at The Old Mill in West Tisbury. The topic for this month’s program is Bonsai: Its History and Practice as presented by Don Sibley. A hospitality hour with refreshments will follow the program.

On Thursday, July 21, there will be a benefit spaghetti supper and silent auction to help raise funds for Lisa BenDavid Scannell who was seriously injured last month in a riding accident. The nonprofit You’ve Got A Friend, Inc. of the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank has set up a fund for Lisa and all proceeds from the dinner, which is being donated by Marc Hanover of Linda Jean’s, will go into this fund. Island businesses have stepped up to offer numerous items for the silent auction including goods and services, opportunities, and gift certificates and there will also be a 50/50 raffle. Tickets for the dinner are $15 and will be available at the door. The venue is the Portuguese-American Club (Holy Ghost Association) on Vineyard Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Anyone wishing to donate an item for the silent auction should contact Susan Wilson, 508-693-4563.

This Sunday and next, the Rev. Mark Bozutti-Jones will be the celebrant at Trinity Episcopal Church. Services are at 9 am.

On Tuesdays if you inform your wait staff at The Oyster Bar Grill restaurant located on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs (50 feet from the Union Chapel) that you are attending the MV Film Society movie that will be shown every Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, you will be in for a treat. Here is a special deal for those ordering dinner entrees at the restaurant prior to attending the movies at the Union Chapel: a free appetizer or salad for each attendee at the table (excluding lobster). Just be sure to notify the wait staff prior to ordering.

The Tabernacle in the Campground has enough events scheduled to keep us busy all summer. There is a weekly Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 am in the Tabernacle with a different guest preacher each week. Sunday, July 17, the guest preacher is Rev. Dr. Jim Kidd, Retired Pastor from Asylum UCC Church, Hartford, Conn. On Sunday, July 24, the guest preacher is the Rev. Gary Shaw, pastor of the Carter memorial UMC in Needham. “Babe” will be shown at Family Movie Night at the Tabernacle on Monday, July 18, at 7 pm. And the summer tradition of community sings still take place every Wednesday evening at 8. On Saturday, July 16, from 9 am to 1 pm, come and enjoy the Annual Tabernacle Flea Market where there are amazing items for sale and always a great time. Saturday, July 16, at 8 pm the Ron Williams Concert presents an evening of music for voice and piano.

Pete Seeger, Odetta, and Sweet Honey In The Rock have all sung with Melanie DeMore and next week so can you. On Tuesday, July 19, at 5 pm at the Grange in West Tisbury and Friday, July 22, at the Charter School, there will be two workshops with this dynamic singer. Participate in a workshop and you can be in the concert with Melanie on Saturday, July 23, at Union Chapel! You don’t have to read music, all you have to do is love to sing! Proceeds go to Zambian orphans, women, and disabled children. Call Marsha Winsryg for details at 508-693-4059.

We send birthday smiles to David deBettencourt on July 14, grandson Nick Rivers on the next day, Sophie Combra on July 16, Russell Rogers and Summer Ann Clements on July 17, Suzanne Metell on the 18th, and Lynn Webster on July 19.